How can a leader have their teachings live on in their people even after they have gone? Most leaders, though some are so powerful that they are god-like, nevertheless end up in the grave like anyone else. Their teachings and commands might then be forgotten as the next leader takes their place. That is because they are not as good as leaders as they ought to be. They were notorious for their injustices, failing the poor and weak during times of hardship, even causing misery and hardship such as famines by their self-centric policies for their own enrichment. Not so with Jesus Christ. He put the needs of followers and friends above himself when he died on a cross as sacrifice to pay for their sins, and yes though he died in shame on that cross, the One who sent him raised him only days later from the dead, to live forever as ultimate leader over all. He is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, and we are his sheep if, believing in him, we hold firmly to what he famously taught, and learn how to obey these teachings, and how to obey him as our own master, the Lord of the sheep. So to be like him in leading is to lay down one’s life for those being led. Leaders who put the needs of the sheep even above their own needs of life are those whose teachings endure their departure, like the seed which dies in the earth only to bring forth many seeds. In the case of Jesus, he so worthy as Son to God that God raised him from the dead to live forever and lead alongside God, forever giving life to those who believe, love, and follow him.
